Public Spaces

On Friday, March 10, the community gathered at the recreation facility formerly known as North Macon Park to officially unveil SPLOST upgrades, and announce the renaming of the park. It's now 'Theron Ussery Park' in honor of the former Macon city councilman, and current member of the SPLOST Advisory Committee. Upgrades at the park include new bleachers, fencing, dugouts, and covers. After the ribbon cutting, Mr.

Henry Burns Park (at the corner of Ingleside and Ridge Avenues) is a popular place, but it's small. In an effort to maximize the impact of the space we have Commissioners approved a plan to bring $709,250 worth of work to the area. Ogles Construction, Inc will handle the renovations.

Our student leaders are already planning for their futures and what better way to get real-world experience than by shadowing our government leaders! On Groundhog Day this year (Feb. 2) our young men and women were paired up with department heads to learn the ins and outs of government, and how we operate.

The building in the picture above may be familiar to many of you - it housed Boy Scout Troop #5 starting in 1932. It's been empty for a while, but now a neighborhood association will be responsible for upkeep and use. They're renting it from the county for $1.00 a year. You can read more about the agreement in the commission resolution.

Macon-Bibb resident Garrison Hammontree was part of Troop 5 and became an Eagle Scout in the 1960's when he was 13 years old. "This hut played a big role in my life as a child and as a teenager. I'm glad to see it's still standing and that there's a plan to take care of it. It's a big part of this community," said Hammontree.

The Rosa Jackson Recreation Center on Maynard Street just reopened after a year of major upgrades and renovations! There's a brand new gym, but the old gym holds many stories, and it's still there (pictured above.) Now, it will bear a name to match its legacy. The gym is now officially called the James E. Smith Gymnasium. The athlete and community leader has made major contributions to the surrounding neighborhoods and was Parks & Recreation Department's Rec Center Director from 1989 to 2015. You can read more about Mr. Smith here.

To see photos from the ribbon cutting & family fun day at Rosa Jackson, visit our Facebook page. Don't forget to like, tag your friends, and share!

Filmore Thomas Park is less than a year old and leaders are already planning ways to enhance the popular spot even more! Phase Two of the new Filmore Thomas Park will include a multi-use field, second entrance and parking lot, a pedestrian bridge, and sidewalk. Commissioners voted to approve $23,000 in blight funds to pay Rowland Engineering to form the plan for phase two. You can read more about it here.